Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Pinwheel Birthday

Hello crafty peeps! I have a super special post for today. My former DT boss, Emma, invited me to guest design for her and I was more than happy to oblige!

We’re going to think of today as a bit of a Technique Tuesday. One of the most difficult things I can think of is mixing patterned papers. So, my card today will hopefully show you how you can mix different patterns cohesively.

I’m going to throw out a disclaimer, however. I am not a graphic designer so I can’t honestly say that I have special training that makes me an expert. I studied Interior Design,  so my pattern and color usage is influenced by that.

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All of the papers  used are from the Dear Lizzy Neapolitan line. I bought it LAST year at Archivers and this is the first time I used it. My overall goal was to make a fun and bright card. Something a little outside of my comfort zone -  because my style is generally very shabby and vintage inspired.

The great thing about using a collection is that the color mixing is done for you. And, generally, the patterns will have a lot of built in coordination. I decided to choose four papers from the collection. I chose the wood grain chevron, green grid, and gray dotted papers because I wanted the banner pattern to provide the pop of color. None of them work against each other. They all kind of peacefully coexist because I used the right patterns in the right amounts.

Also, I left a lot of white space around the sentiment. Even though the pinwheel is a rather large embellishment. It doesn’t take the eye away from the sentiment. I think a lot of people would have used ink to splatter the sentiment card because the pinwheel had splatters. Doing so would have been a mistake because the pinwheel would have disappeared into a sea of ink splotches. Instead, I took some enamel dots and placed them around the sentiment to further define it and draw the eye in. And, in a way, you could imagine them as extensions of the ink spots flying from the pinwheel.

Supplies

Patterned Paper: Dear Lizzy Neapolitan by American Crafts.

Stamps: Journal It and Floral Sentiments from My Creative Time.

Cardstock: Stamper’s Select White.

Ink: Versamark. Mister Huey spray ink in Taxi, Water Cooler, and Boss Lady.

Embellishments: Rustic Twine from Papertrey Ink. Enamel dots and decorative brad from My Mind’s Eye.

Other: Corner Chomper by We R Memory Keepers. Apricot Zing embossing powder by American Crafts

Alrighty, before I let you hop away, I have a giveaway sponsored by Ms. Emma! I have a set from Emma’s last release that I just love! It’s called Life is Good, and I plan to use it in my Project Life album. All you need to do to win is leave me a comment here with a way for me to contact you. You’re not required to follow me or anything else. I will take comments up until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 13th. Easy peasy!

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Thanks so much for stopping by today! I wish you all a very blessed day, and good luck!!

50 comments :

  1. I always worry about mixing pattern paper, but you do it flawlessly! Glad you came back as a guest designer for Emma!
    Teresa
    www.CreateEnjoyShare.blogspot.com
    happiqueen at aol.com

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  2. As always,stunning!! I love the color choices here and your design is just beautiful. So happy to have you joining us again, Trell!! ♥

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  3. Okay my friend, you KNOW your card is just STUNNING!!! You NEVER disappoint & thats what I LOVE about you! EVERYTHING you make is absolutely PERFECT! :) THANK YOU for being my AWESOME guest today sir!
    Luv ya!

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  4. Super cute, love the pinwheel and the patterns! Lee-Ann :)

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  5. Absolutely beautiful! Love the colors, have enjoyed your previous cards and projects as well. Thanks for sharing!

    Kat
    kat.raymond@gmail.com

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  6. What a beautiful card. I love the way you used all the pattern papers together, they worked very well. When creating that is my downfall, all these pretty pattern papers and I use solids because I never like the looks I create with patterns.
    Kristi
    kidshomelove at yahoo.com
    foundtimeforme.blogspot.com

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  7. Your card is absolutely stunning. I love the colors and papers you selected, obviously your graphic design background plays a huge role in your creations! The pinwheel is gorgeous too! I am a long time follower of your blog and appreciate all of the inspiration you provide.

    www.scrappindhilly.blogspot.com
    scrappindhilly@gmail.com

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  8. Gorgeous card Trell, love all the different patterns and colors.

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  9. Hello Trell,

    What a lovely card! Love all the pattern paper you used! For someone who thinks mixing pattern papers is difficult, you've done a beautiful job with your card today! Truly love it!
    Thanks for the opportunity to win this stamp set!
    dir28@hotmail.com

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  10. Super cute, love your style!!!

    mzcherub at gmail dot com

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  11. Love the colors and the mix of paper. I too find it very difficult I'm working on over thinking my selections thank you for the candy :)?
    Vivi J
    Cvjac at att dot net

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  12. Love the colors and the mix of paper. I too find it very difficult I'm working on over thinking my selections thank you for the candy :)?
    Vivi J
    Cvjac at att dot net

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  13. Very pretty card! Thanks for sharing your tips!:)

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  14. A beautiful card with such lovely elements.
    Have a wonderful day,
    Migdalia
    Mrodriguez860@hotmail.com
    ♥ Crafting With Creative M ♥
    ♥ 2 Creative Chicks ♥
    ♥ Silhouette Challenges ♥

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  15. Very nice card. I really like the pinwheel and the color combination. K
    karen.kirby1@yahoo.com

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  16. Mr. Trell - FANTASTIC to see you as a guest designer for Emma! I've always admired your creations, and this one is no exception: outstanding! I have this paper pad, have stared at it admiringly, then shrugged my shoulders, not knowing what to do, other than wish I had some pattern-matching sense! You have been such an inspiration! Thank you for showcasing such a great card - and your ideas are excellent! I think Dear Lizzy may have a debut! Hope you'll be back with Emma SOON!!
    c

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  17. This is a wonderful pinwheel design. Perfect for a birthday card. Love the fun banners and cheerful colors. Wonderful! :)

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  18. I love this card, Trell. I never can mix patterns properly. I always think they look horrible. You are amazing!

    Dorcas
    dtroche@bellsouth.net

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  19. SUPER looking card Trell, AWESOME job as always!!!:)

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  20. Beautiful card. Hopefully I can mix colors some day. Your card is stunning,
    Apomarti07@gmail.com

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  21. Awesome card! You managed to use all those patterns and still not make it look overly busy. TFS!!!

    nanettemt at yahoo dot com

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  22. fabulous cards....great color palette!
    ljseki at hotmail dot com

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  23. Very cute card n I love the mixture of patterens

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  24. Very cute card n I love the mixture of patterens

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  25. That is a beautiful card and I like the use of the pinwheels. It is a happy card.

    bjescalan@netscape.net

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  26. I agree, deciding how to mix and/or match is difficult. I buy very few collections because I forget to look through them. Love how the apricot embossing "pops". Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win the stamp set. Pam

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  27. What a fabulous birthday card! Love the pinwheel! It's so happy!

    Ginger
    ginger@mysistersscrapper.com

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  28. Such a pretty card. I love the cut of the DP. It work out so well that you had a banner and that pin wheel is perfect. TFS AJ-

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  29. I love pinwheels!
    So awesome. Thanks for the inspiration.
    Teachermom5@gmail.com

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  30. OK, you made that sound soooo easy. I think I'm a little more willing to tackle patterned papers now. TFS. bqofss at yahoo dot com Thanks again

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  31. Lovely card Trell! I wish my paper mixing came up as pretty as yours :) TFS this fab card and for the chance to win this awesome stamps!!

    Have a wonderful day!
    Liz
    unikebyyes at yahoo dot com

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  32. I'm sure going to try and mix patterns. Thanks

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  33. Wow Mr. Trell I love your card.
    Love all the wonderful colors and designs you did. TFS.
    May your day always be filled with love.
    D~ dmcardmaker (at AOL)
    http://designsbydragonfly.blogspot.com
    I've been an email follower for awhile and am now a google follower, too

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  34. Very very nice! This is a beautiful card, not over done!! Your work is great, I'm working on following your blog but my phone isn't cooperating! Lol Thanks for the awesome chance to win!!
    <3 Jenn

    Jennifer.rose112@gmail.com

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  35. very gorjuss card love the colors - thanks for the chance to win
    margit3m@yahoo.de

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  36. Hi good to see you again and congrats on guest DT today :) I love your card its beautiful
    Vicky
    win_or_lose52@hotmail.com

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  37. What a great birthday card. I love how you used all the different papers it looks so awesome and fun. You do have a great eye for color. Your card truly is so beautiful. Thanks for a chance for a great giveaway.

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  38. What a GORGEOUS card, Trell!!! :)
    I love the way you balanced everything (the coordinating paper, the perfect sentiment (in color & size), the embellishments, etc.)!

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share!!!

    Crafty hugs,

    Jennifer
    Partridgelu at yahoo dot com

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  39. Your card is beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
    I just love this stamps set! Awesome giveaway!

    Kathy:)

    kathy.unger113@gmail.com

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  40. I love the card. I have trouble mixing patterns. When I get it right it feels so good. Great giveaway.
    stuff@gt.rr.com

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  41. That is definitely 1 of the reasons I liove using the 6x6 paper pads. The coordinating is done for me!!

    This is truly a beautiful card. Thanks for sharing.

    jlkozar @ comcast . net

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  42. It really is a fine art putting together patterned papers!!! I also absolutely love using the 6x6 pads, it seems like they were made for card makers :)

    Thank you so much for taking the time to share your crafty talent with us!!!!
    Bridget
    NermalJuly14@gmail.com

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  43. I love your card, it is so beautiful. Great job.
    Thanks for the chance to win.

    Leslie
    cascrapper at gmail dot com

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  44. Love this...( And, in a way, you could imagine them as extensions of the ink spots flying from the pinwheel.) Gorgeous card!! Thanks for the chance to win.
    rhondazmiklyatsbcglobaldotnet

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  45. What a fun and fabulous card Trell! I love all the different patterns of papers you used as well as some washi tape! I never seem to be able to mix match patterns like this, but you have made it look so easy! lol Love the pinwheel too!! Thanks for a change to win a set of Emma's stamps!
    bsl60 at embarqmail dot com

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  46. Fun pinwheel card and great design tips.
    slrdowney at hotmail dot com

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  47. I really liked the papers you used. I admit I am one of those people who would have splattered ink all over the card! Your card meshed perfectly.

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  48. Trell ~ this is just GORGEOUS! I LOVE the all the orange in this card! It pops and goes BEAUTIFULLY with all the other colors! Of course the pinwheel is FAB too! So happy when we get to see your creations!!! Hope all is well with you sweet Trell!

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  49. So bright & cheery! Like the sweet pinwheel. thanks for the chance to win this delightful set.

    marg0006 at Verizon dot net

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Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog. I sincerely appreciate it. Have a super blessed day!